Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable rebuke, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Rumors
Yormark further highlighted the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
